Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has underlined the need for increasing nationwide public awareness to prevent use of the tobacco products and drug abuse.
He made the call when Professor Dr Arup Ratan Choudhury, founding president of "MANAS", an Association for the Prevention of Drug Abuse, paid a courtesy call on him at his Secretariat office here.
Swapon said there is no alternative to increasing public awareness in building a drug and tobacco-free society.
To achieve this goal, he expressed the government's interest in working jointly with voluntary organizations like "MANAS".
The minister specifically mentioned the need to discourage the use and display of tobacco products in the media and films.
Prof Choudhury briefed the minister in detail about the long-standing activities of "MANAS" in preventing the spread of drugs and tobacco.
Highlighting the negative impact of depicting tobacco and drugs in films and media, he stressed the importance of formulating effective policies and increasing public awareness on the matter.
The minister sought cooperation from private levels to further bolster the government's efforts against drug abuse and use of the tobacco products.
Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farjana was present during the meeting.
